Chance Viles

Freelance Reporter

United States of America

I am a recent UMass Amherst graduate, with a degree in Journalism and Political Science. I am looking for work along the lines of either writing or editing. I also have done photography for my pieces.

I am currently freelancing for The Daily Hampshire Gazette, but I am looking to expand my freelancing portfolio or to find a steady position.

Portfolio
The Recorder
05/08/2017
Shutesbury votes for budget hike, school board post

By CHANCE VILES For The RecorderSHUTESBURY - Voters gave a green light to a budget increase for 2018 Saturday morning at the annual town meeting, boosted salaries for elected officials in town, and approved necessary repairs to the school, fire...

Pioneer Valley Underground
01/18/2017
Gabe Gill Feature

by Chance Viles Gabe Gill is a producer, singer/songwriter, and rapper from Northampton. Gill initially lived in Boston, moving to Northampton at 7 years old. Gill has since moved back to Boston to study in the Studio for Interrelated Media program at Mass Art, but still considers himself a Northampton native and spends his...

The Tab UMass Amherst
02/12/2016
Straight out of Amherst: Meet rapper Jordan Tolbert

In a wood paneled room lined with Christmas lights, a large sign reads "STUDY ROOM." A DJ rocking an Adidas windbreaker looms over two turntables covered in stickers. A funk styled rap group opens up, performing a song or two before aspiring UMass based rapper Jordan Tolbert, 20, also known as "NliteN" (pronounced 'enlighten') takes the mic.

Daily Hampshire Gazette
05/03/2017
Valley Gives raises $1.5M for area nonprofits

One organization is using donations from the popular fundraiser Valley Gives Day to save programs for seniors. Another is continuing an initiative to provide fresh milk for low-income families. And leaders of a third nonprofit believe participating in the annual event brings much-needed exposure to its mission.

Daily Hampshire Gazette
05/09/2017
Belchertown Town Meeting delays decision on HCOG withdrawal

Belchertown - Despite approving many articles at annual Town Meeting Monday night, one of the most anticipated proposals - a potential withdrawal from the Hampshire Council of Governments - was shelved until next month due to a technical snafu.

Daily Hampshire Gazette
05/02/2017
Demonstrators in Northampton mobilize for immigrant, worker rights

NORTHAMPTON - Downtown streets were blocked by police cruisers as hundreds marched to City Hall in support of immigrant and worker rights Monday afternoon. "We are working to build the Sanctuary in the Streets network. They are trained respondents to deportation threats and efforts," said Diana Sierra, lead organizer with the Pioneer Valley Workers Center.

Valley Advocate
03/06/2017
No Land? No Problem: Gardening Everywhere With Containers

It's also something anyone can do anywhere. No land? No time? No problem; plant whatever you want in a pot and store it anywhere there is ample light: on a windowsill, on a patio, doorways, in a car (I saw this while walking around Amherst Commons), etc.

Valley Advocate
06/05/2017
Forgotten: Springfield's Black History Is Nowhere In Sight

Springfield, Massachusetts, was a big abolitionist hub during the days of the Underground Railroad - not that many people know this. When talking about Massachusetts history, Western Mass isn't well represented in historical texts - they're more focused on Boston. And even less well represented is Pioneer Valley black history.

Valley Advocate
04/10/2017
Machakos Kyalo: Amherst rapper sending music, trees and hope back home

Machakos is a city and county in Kenya. It's a beautiful place. The large palms, and safari grass are strong and bright, the blue sky dominates the flat and open landscape. But the beauty of Machakos can be deceiving: poverty is a struggle many people face.

Valley Advocate
02/20/2017
WMass Metal: The Valley's Diverse Scene Rises AGAIN

In the '90s, the area was flush with metal bands. Some of them gained international notoriety, such as Killswitch Engage and All That Remains. Others, like Converge, Bane, and Unearth, killed it on national and regional stages.